Policy Update
This Week in Congress – February 12, 2021
Here's the scoop on what's happening this week in Congress
COVID COVID COVID
Vaccine Distribution
Nearly 45 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. As such, 10% of the population have been given at least one shot.
The Biden administration announced that it plans to boost state vaccine shipments from 10.5-11 million per week and distribute to community health centers by next week in every state and territory. Starting Feb. 15, some federally qualified community health centers in every state can begin to order COVID-19 vaccines directly – not reducing the 11 million doses shipped weekly to each state. Two-thirds of community health center patients live below the poverty line and 60 percent of patients are minorities. There are more than 1,300 community health centers in the U.S.
Two Masks are Better than One
Newly released CDC guidelines explain that wearing a cloth face covering on top of a surgical mask offers more protection than a single mask. Also, tying knots on the ear loops of surgical masks improves effectiveness. Recommendations explained, however, that extra masks should not be worn on top of KN95 masks and individuals should not layer multiple surgical masks.
House E&C Budget Measure
The House Energy & Commerce Committee released a pandemic relief measure to grant HHS $46 billion for a national COVID testing and contact tracing strategy – providing grants to state and local public health departments to establish and expand the distribution and administration of tests and PPE. The proposal is part of a larger relief package that would include funds for other HHS agencies.
Impeachment Trial
The second impeachment trial of former President Trump began this week. The initial vote on whether the trial is constitution came to 56-44. Six Republicans, including Sen. Cassidy (LA), Sen. Collins (ME), Sen. Murkowski (AK), Sen. Romney (UT), Sen. Sasse (NE), and Sen. Toomey (PA) voted that the trial should move forward. Minority Leader, Sen. McConnel – who voted the trial was not constitutional – urged his party to vote with their conscience.
Sen. Shelby to Retire
Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) announced that he would not seek another term. His departure paves the way for Sen. Susan Collins to take the lead as the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations committee.